At the 7th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai, the United Nations Office for South-South Cooperation (UNOSSC), in partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the CIIE Bureau, launched a report titled ‘Unlocking Opportunities: SME Stories in South-South Trade Facilitation at CIIE’.
The launch, held at the ITC booth, brought together representatives from ITC, the CIIE Bureau, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) featured in the publication.
In her opening remarks, UNOSSC Director Dima Al-Khatib emphasized the critical role of SMEs in the global economy, noting that they represent approximately 90% of businesses worldwide and account for more than 50% of global employment.
She also highlighted UNOSSC’s commitment to supporting SMEs, including a series of cross-border e-commerce seminars under the Global South-South Development Centre (GSSDC) Project, which has benefited policymakers and entrepreneurs from over 90 countries and territories. She further encouraged stakeholders to explore resources such as UNOSSC’s South-South Galaxy platform and the newly launched Solutions Lab, designed to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration.
“The new report being launched today with the collection of success stories is illustrative evidence of the impact of South-South cooperation,” said Director Dima Al-Khatib. “The publication showcases success stories of SMEs that have participated in CIIE, demonstrating the transformative impact of South-South trade platforms. Since 2018, ITC has supported nearly 300 SMEs from over 30 developing countries, including many from landlocked developing countries (LLDCs), participating at CIIE.”
Following the launch, Director Al-Khatib visited the country pavilions of five LLDCs, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and engaged with representatives to better understand their trade experiences and expectations from CIIE.
During these visits, conversations focused on the important role of digital technology and e-commerce, and the valuable opportunities provided by participating in CIIE. Trade data from these countries reflect encouraging growth in their international trade volumes, highlighting the potential of platforms like CIIE in facilitating South-South trade and support to sustainable development.
More information: Highlights of UNOSSC Director 2024 Official Visit to China
Following the launch, Director Al-Khatib visited the country pavilions of five LLDCs, including Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe, and engaged with representatives to better understand their trade experiences and expectations from CIIE.
During these visits, conversations focused on the important role of digital technology and e-commerce, and the valuable opportunities provided by participating in CIIE. Trade data from these countries reflect encouraging growth in their international trade volumes, highlighting the potential of platforms like CIIE in facilitating South-South trade and support to sustainable development.
More information: Highlights of UNOSSC Director 2024 Official Visit to China
